MSF is preparing to reposition its response to the cholera epidemic in Haiti. In the coming weeks, the international medical aid organization will hand over responsibility for treating cholera patients to other national and international actors capable of assuming that task.

MSF's medical teams have treated more than 110,000 people since the epidemic began. In the week ending February 6, patient numbers have fallen in six of the country's eight departments. The numbers tripled in the southern part of the country.

Overall, the total number of cholera patients recorded weekly at MSF facilities has fallen by nearly 70 percent compared to the start of the epidemic. Whereas 12,000 presented in one week in October, 3,118 were presented in one week in early February.

In Artibonite, the medical team treated close to 4,500 cases per week when the disease first hit, but the current figure is approximately 500 per week. MSF has also observed that cholera cases are distributed unevenly across the country.

As a result, we are adjusting our programs in order to respond appropriately to the current situation, reducing the size and number of treatment facilities. Caroline Séguin, MSF’s emergency coordinator for the cholera response, explains that the decision will be based on two factors: the epidemiological situation - that is, the change in the number of cases treated - and the availability of nearby treatment facilities.

The sites taking over for MSF will receive donated medicines and medical supplies.

"We have made preparations to withdraw," said Dominique Bernard, MSF's project coordinator in Port-de-Paix. "We are making sure that the facilities that will take over are ready to absorb the cholera cases. After we leave, an MSF team will conduct epidemiological monitoring of the situation. We are in touch with these facilities and have asked them to contact us if they receive an influx of new cases."

The drop in new cases is due, in part, to the dry season in Haiti, which is less favorable to the spread of the disease. In addition, the isolation of patients in cholera treatment centers, treatment of contaminated sites, chlorination of water at the sites, and the extensive public education efforts by MSF and other actors have had a positive impact on the course of the epidemic.

"At the beginning, people didn't know anything about cholera and were very frightened," Séguin said. "It's quite different now. They recognize the importance of the chlorination efforts."
But close monitoring of situation is still required because cholera is now endemic in Haiti and the rainy season will start soon, increasing the risks of a resurgence of the epidemic.
Séguin is cautious: "The numbers can rise and fall. That's why we will continue to monitor the situation in Haiti in the coming months. We are ready to step in if the number of patients rises again."